NL Cy Young: Past Winners, Voting, And History

The NL Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitcher in the National League, as voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Awarded each year since 1956, it's one of the most prestigious individual awards in baseball. This guide provides an in-depth look at the award's history, voting process, and notable winners.

History of the NL Cy Young Award

Originally, only one Cy Young Award was given to the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. However, in 1967, the award was expanded to honor the best pitcher in each league – the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). This change recognized the increasing talent and specialization within baseball. The award is named after Cy Young, a Hall of Fame pitcher who holds the record for most career wins (511).

The Inaugural Award

In 1956, Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers won the first Cy Young Award. Newcombe had an outstanding season, leading the league with 27 wins and a 3.06 ERA.

The Expansion to Two Awards

As baseball evolved, the need to recognize pitching excellence in each league became apparent. In 1967, the BBWAA began awarding a Cy Young Award to the best pitcher in both the AL and NL, ensuring that top pitchers in each league received due recognition.

How the NL Cy Young Voting Process Works

The NL Cy Young Award is voted on by 30 BBWAA members. Each voter casts a ballot with their top five pitchers, ranked in order of preference. The voting system assigns points based on the rankings:

• First place: 7 points
• Second place: 4 points
• Third place: 3 points
• Fourth place: 2 points
• Fifth place: 1 point

The pitcher with the highest point total wins the award. In cases of a tie, the award is shared.

Voting Criteria

Voters consider a variety of factors when selecting their top pitchers, including:

• Record (Wins and Losses): A pitcher's win-loss record is a traditional measure of success.
• Earned Run Average (ERA): ERA measures the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings.
• Strikeouts : Strikeouts are a key indicator of a pitcher's ability to dominate hitters.
• Innings Pitched: Innings pitched reflects a pitcher's durability and ability to work deep into games.
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): WHIP measures a pitcher's ability to prevent baserunners.
• Advanced Metrics: Modern baseball analysis also incorporates advanced metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement), FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), and others.

Notable Voting Controversies

Over the years, there have been several notable Cy Young Award voting controversies. These often involve debates over the relative importance of different statistics and the subjective evaluation of a pitcher's overall impact.

Key Statistics and What They Mean

Evaluating a pitcher's performance involves looking at a range of statistics. Here are some of the most important ones: — Commanders Schedule: Dates, Times & Game Day Info

• ERA (Earned Run Average): A lower ERA indicates better performance, as the pitcher is allowing fewer earned runs.
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): A lower WHIP is better, as it indicates the pitcher is limiting baserunners.
• K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 Innings): A higher K/9 indicates a pitcher's ability to strike out hitters at a high rate.
• WAR (Wins Above Replacement): WAR is a comprehensive metric that estimates how many wins a player contributes to their team compared to a replacement-level player. It's an all-encompassing stat.

Famous NL Cy Young Winners

The NL Cy Young Award has been won by many legendary pitchers. Here are some of the most notable winners:

• Sandy Koufax: Koufax won three Cy Young Awards (1963, 1965, 1966) and was known for his incredible fastball and curveball.
• Tom Seaver: Seaver won three Cy Young Awards (1969, 1973, 1975) and was a dominant force for the New York Mets.
• Greg Maddux: Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards (1992-1995) and was known for his exceptional control and movement.
• Randy Johnson: Johnson won five Cy Young Awards (1995, 1999-2002) and was one of the most intimidating pitchers of all time.
• Clayton Kershaw: Kershaw has three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014) and has been a dominant pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers for over a decade.

Multiple Award Winners

Several pitchers have won the NL Cy Young Award multiple times, highlighting their sustained excellence. Here are some of the pitchers who have won the award more than once:

• Greg Maddux (4)
• Randy Johnson (4)
• Tom Seaver (3)
• Sandy Koufax (3)
• Clayton Kershaw (3)

Recent Winners

• 2023: Blake Snell
• 2022: Sandy Alcantara
• 2021: Corbin Burnes

Impact of Winning the NL Cy Young Award

Winning the NL Cy Young Award has a significant impact on a pitcher's career. It enhances their reputation, increases their market value, and solidifies their place in baseball history. The award is a testament to a pitcher's hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance. — McComb, MS Apartments: Your Ultimate Guide

Legacy and Hall of Fame Consideration

Many NL Cy Young Award winners have gone on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The award is a strong indicator of a pitcher's long-term success and impact on the game. — Sony Digital8 Handycam: A Comprehensive Guide

Contract and Endorsement Opportunities

Winning the Cy Young Award can lead to lucrative contract extensions and endorsement deals. Teams are willing to invest in pitchers who have proven their ability to perform at the highest level.

Comparing NL Cy Young Winners to AL Cy Young Winners

While both leagues recognize their best pitcher with the Cy Young Award, there are often differences in the types of pitchers who win in each league. The AL tends to favor power pitchers with high strikeout rates, while the NL sometimes values pitchers with exceptional control and efficiency.

Differences in Pitching Styles

The American League is known for having designated hitters. National League pitchers often have to bat, so they may be required to focus more on their pitching rather than batting.

Statistical Comparisons

Statistically comparing NL and AL Cy Young winners can reveal interesting trends and differences in the performance metrics valued by voters in each league.

The Future of the NL Cy Young Award

The NL Cy Young Award will continue to evolve as baseball changes. New statistics and analytical approaches will likely influence the voting process, but the award will always recognize the best pitchers in the National League.

Emerging Trends in Pitching

As baseball continues to evolve, new pitching trends and strategies will emerge. These trends will likely influence the way voters evaluate pitchers and select Cy Young Award winners.

The Role of Analytics

Advanced analytics are playing an increasingly important role in baseball, and they are also influencing the Cy Young Award voting process. Voters are now using a wider range of metrics to evaluate a pitcher's performance, including advanced stats like WAR, FIP, and xFIP.

FAQ Section

What is the Cy Young Award?

The Cy Young Award is an annual award given to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball, one for the American League (AL) and one for the National League (NL). It is named after Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young.

How is the Cy Young Award winner determined?

The Cy Young Award winners are determined by a vote of members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Each voter casts a ballot with their top five pitchers, ranked in order of preference.

What statistics are considered when voting for the Cy Young Award?

Voters consider a variety of statistics, including record (wins and losses), earned run average (ERA), strikeouts, innings pitched, WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched), and advanced metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement).

Who has won the most NL Cy Young Awards?

Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson have won the most NL Cy Young Awards, with four each.

When was the first Cy Young Award presented?

The first Cy Young Award was presented in 1956 to Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

How does winning the Cy Young Award impact a player's career?

Winning the Cy Young Award enhances a player's reputation, increases their market value, and solidifies their place in baseball history. It can also lead to lucrative contract extensions and endorsement deals.

Conclusion

The NL Cy Young Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the best pitchers in the National League. With a rich history and a complex voting process, the award reflects the evolving nature of baseball and the enduring importance of pitching excellence. From legendary winners like Sandy Koufax and Greg Maddux to modern stars like Clayton Kershaw, the NL Cy Young Award celebrates the pitchers who have left an indelible mark on the game. Keep following the MLB to see who will be the next pitcher to add their name to the prestigious list of winners.